EWCF Announces 230+ Tournaments for Road to EWC 2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has launched its ‘Road to EWC’ program. The initiative formalizes a global qualification system for the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The initiative integrates more than 230 tournaments worldwide into a single competitive calendar, creating structured pathways for players and clubs. The qualification season will run throughout 2026 and culminate at the main event.

The system connects publisher-led leagues, international tournaments, and regional qualifiers across major esports ecosystems. It builds on the 2025 cycle, where over 2.5K players from more than 100 countries and 200 clubs qualified through Road to EWC.

Global Circuits, Open Qualifiers, and Club Investment Framework

Qualification routes will draw from established circuits, including the EA Sports FC Pro, Capcom Cup, Apex Legends Global Series, and the Overwatch Champions Series. They will also incorporate official leagues for League of Legends, Call of Duty, and VALORANT. Open online qualifiers will also be held for Chess, Teamfight Tactics, Dota 2, and Call of Duty: Warzone, expanding grassroots access.

The foundation stated that the structure is designed to reinforce competitive integrity, support sustainable industry growth, and provide stakeholders with a predictable annual framework.

Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer (CPO) at EWCF, said, “Road to EWC brings together the journeys that shape competitive esports.” He added that a defined season enables players, clubs, publishers, and fans to plan around key competitive milestones.

EWCF will promote the circuit through a multi-channel campaign featuring highlights, interviews, and live coverage, supported by a centralized online hub listing all qualifiers. The program feeds into the 2026 Esports World Cup, previously outlined with a $75 million USD prize pool.

Alongside the qualification rollout, EWCF confirmed its 2026 Club Partner Program. The initiative will invest $20M to support 40 clubs through six-figure funding, fan engagement programs, and brand development. 

Up to eight top clubs from the 2025 championship ranking will receive direct invitations, while remaining slots will be filled via open applications. Participation does not guarantee tournament qualification, with all clubs required to progress through standard competitive pathways.

By aligning global qualifiers with direct club investment, EWCF is expanding both competitive access and organizational infrastructure, ahead of EWC 2026.